How To Start an eBay Store
What is the difference between a standard eBay auction and a product that is sold through an eBay store?
Great question!
eBay stores allow businessmen and businesswomen to sell items for less money than traditional auctions; however the items are sold at a fixed price and will remain listed on the web site for 30 days.
eBay stores are intended for serious individual in business looking to mass produce and sell select items for a fixed price. eBay stores usually thrive on offering vintage or rare items, or even common place items for a cheaper rate.
In order to run an eBay store you must pay at least $15.95 per month for the basic store feature. Some may hate the monthly rate but keep in mind that listing fees only cost two cents and gallery pictures only run one cent a piece while you are under the eBay store membership.
If you make one sell you have probably already paid off the membership fee for the month and the much cheaper listing fees will allow you to post numerous products without killing your checkbook.
In order to start a store on eBay click on the “Sellers” icon, followed by the “Open a Store” link.
You need to proceed with eight basic steps to create your very own and custom eBay store.
First off, select a color theme for your store. You could either select your favorite two colors or center your color theme on the product you are selling. Say you are selling mountain bikes. What types of colors would people associate mountain bikes with? How about green and light blue since the mountains are often filled with lush green trees and a clear blue sky?
Click “continue” and proceed to the “Store’s Name” text box. Here you will name your eBay store. Take your time and think hard about what name you want to select. Remember customers will remember a business name that is catchy and short. Brainstorm some creative names and narrow it down to the winner.
Next, enter a description about your store. Refer to which products you sell and what makes them popular. If your store specializes in bargain deals on bikes, make sure you mention that in the description. Sometimes it helps to mention where you are located or how long you have been in business (if applicable).
If you are talented or know somebody in the industry, create a few graphics for your store beforehand. You can use these business graphics to help advertise and profile your business. In terms of increasing your reputation and gaining notice, something as simple as a graphic can really help increase exposure.
After you name your business, enter the description, and graphics – click “continue.”
Sign up for the basic eBay store for now. There are other options available but I suggest you start with the basic plan. Keep in mind you can always upgrade to a bigger package in the future.
There are plenty of other customizable features for your store which you can now edit through the “supplied” link.
photo by thewanderingangel